The Most Important Things
When we think of the most important things in our life, what do we think about? We may put on this list our relationship with God, family, church, friends and country. Some may even add to the list their job, house, dog or cat, or even their car. But, when we say, “most important”, we are saying what we are willing to suffer or die for. That definitely narrows down the list.
On Paul’s final trip to Jerusalem, he had received a number of prophetic warnings of what was awaiting him. He said, in Acts 20:23, that in every city he had been warned by the Holy Spirit that imprisonment and afflictions awaited him. The believers in the various churches begged him to not go to Jerusalem, yet he continued on. Even the renown prophet, Agabus, warned that if Paul went up to Jerusalem, he would be delivered into the hands of the gentiles. None of these warnings persuaded otherwise. Why did Paul continue on to Jerusalem? What was so important that he was willing to lay down his life?
In Acts 20:24, Paul gives us the answer. He says: “I do not account my life of any value, nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” Three things were most to Paul. First, was that he finish his course. Second, that he complete his ministry and third, that he would testify to the grace of God.
The course of one’s life refers to one’s purpose. Paul was on a course to be like Jesus. He wasn’t after comfort or longevity. He was after trans-formation. Paul didn’t see upcoming trails as a problem, but as a process. He was not concerned with what he was going through, but where he was going to. Paul was looking toward the prize of the upward calling in Christ Jesus. He was determined to end well.
Ministry is service. Paul wasn’t a quitter. He didn’t take the easy path. He knew from day one that he was to preach before kings and rulers. He was ready to go to Rome, even if it meant in chains. He had the mentality of a victor, not of a victim. All things would work together for the good. He was out to complete his ministry of bringing the Gospel to the gentiles. When that was finished, then he was ready to go be with the Lord.
One’s testimony is what stays after he is gone. Paul had turned many a test into a testimony. Because he had gone through beatings, ship wrecks, hunger and imprisonment, his testimony of the grace of God had weight. He could say with confidence: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” and, “in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” His testimony has inspired the Church throughout the ages and he wasn’t about to jeopardize it by turning back now. Now the torch is in our hands. Be fervent in spirit and run well your race.
Scriptures to meditate on:
Acts 20:18-27; Heb. 12:2; Phil. 3:7-14; 4:13; Rom. 8:37;